But without the words which flow daily as from a cup and without our nature being aligned with heaven, what could be made of these characteristics?

Things are divided into various genera and develop successively into distinct physical forms.
They begin and end
In an unbroken circle;
But how this occurs we cannot fathom.

This is called the balance of heaven.
The balance of heaven is the heavenly element in our nature.

Zhuangzi trans. by Hyun Höchsmann and Yang Guorong, Book 27 Metaphorical Language

“The world” or to say it differently, “reality” for Zhuangzi is at heart, a layered matrix of relationships. That is every part, each discrete element is, what-it-is, due to the relationship that holds with those around it, each concentric circle manifesting the link to what is greater, and this continues as if to the very edge of reality. There is no end, ir’s unbroken, the circle of relational dynamic as if a expanding waving that never ends. That is the universe, a cosmos as understood by the taoist.

The attempt to write concisely the matter is to contort what I want to point to. Therefore I apologize to you the reader.

Already swimming, so deep I cannot touch bottom, – I may as well continue.

I have in mind a steel bolt. The bolt is composed of a mixture of iron and carbon molecules. “Steel” is uncommonly strong, able to withstand tremendous force without fracturing due to the the mechanical and structural disruption that carbon atoms cause within the iron crystal lattice, which prevents the iron atoms from easily sliding past one another. A relationship between molecules is the entire point, as any materials scientist will tell you.

The elongated object if you can imagine yourself holding “it” between your thumb and forefinger is termed a “bolt” because the elongated tapered cylinder with a spiral cut is formed to secure the “head” of an internal combustion engine. A “head bolt”! Once again the role of the object, the function which it serves, dictates its design shape, the taper, angle of the twist of the threads spiraling the length, and its “head” which affords secure leverage for a wrench-tool…

Words are used here to show the matrix of relationships that figure into the conception of a single item: a steel bolt. We might continue to trace-out jigsaw-like relationships in designated parts of the engine, the relationship between vehicle chassis and engine, and the type of vehicle which reveals the reason behind the particular design of the frame, which consists of materials connected by welds, and secured by numerous bolts, etc., etc.. We might just keep describing, a roadway or a racetrack, a surface that’s a composite of mineral and hydrocarbon proven to be high friction, as an interface with a rubber encased wheel, a coefficient of friction necessary to transform the energy of combustion, heat from the rotational movement of engine parts transforming to linear movement…  I suppose that is enough.

Zhuangzi always offers a cosmos that is relationally defined, a dance of relationships.

We cannot do without words to understand the cosmos, or to apprehend any part of it. The writer hastens to say, to insist that words by themselves are not sufficient. The alignment of relationships of reality must resonate within our soul, find a harmonizing chord within our hearts. The circle without end of relationships includes you and I too! A heavenly element.

We reach the edge of language where saying more is untenable. We cannot say any more and we confess our ignorance of how “this” came to be. Relationships are “balancing acts” as we all recognize. A final word would be to say: simply look and see for yourself, appreciate how it all fits!

Staying up “on the wire”, to hold the balance is never simple. Practice is important, isn’t it? How many times have I fallen?

But that’s just reality.

This tune is sure to convey us through the day. Southern Cross by Crosby Stills and Nash traces the link between a male and female relationship and that of a star formation. The song is covered here by Jimmy Buffett. May he rest in peace.